There are times when life feels like it is just coasting or when it is in the valley of the ebbs and flows. A quick way to feel a little better, even for a moment or two, is to be with the ones you love and who love you. The past couple of weeks has been helping to fill my bucket.
It started with a dinner with my friend Brooke. I’ve known her for almost 30 years now. We had a little bit of a break while I was away from Indiana, but she was always in my heart. Now that I’m back, we have revitalized our relationship. It has been nice to catch up. She is one of the kindest people you will ever meet. One who never has a bad word to say about anyone, and will give you the shirt of her back if it would help.
A joyous occasion came next, in the form of a baby shower for my niece Tiffany. I wrote about this already, but the good feelings are still present. After several, too many, years of not seeing one another, it was good to see her, meet her boyfriend, and talk with her dad. I also got to spend a little time with my other niece Taylor, and great-niece Carmen.
The following Monday I got to have dinner with my friend Karen. We hadn’t been able to connect for almost a month. As you might imagine, we had quite a bit of news to catch-up on. Both our lives have many things happening right now. Talking babies and engagements are excellent ways to fill one’s bucket.
Every Wednesday and Sunday we have dinner with the Papa’s. One evening is at their house for fabulous food and conversation. The other is at our house where they, and the hubby and a kid (if home), get to be the taste testers of a new dish I decided to make that evening. Sometimes its an entree, others a dessert.
Then there are those evenings where we choose to entertain. We have been wanting the Papas to meet Tracy and Dale, and for them to meet the Papas. This past Sunday we were able to do so. Since I plan to write more on this Thursday, I’ll just say the evening filled my bucket to overflowing.
To all my friends and family near and far, I hope you know just a small memory of a time we spent together helps me when life is in the ebbs. Thank you for being there through the thick, and the thin. Love you all!
Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man 